www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/frontpage
enJAG National Student Leadership Academy Registration http://www.jag.org/node/453
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Lincoln%20Group.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Lincoln%20Group.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><div class="node-content">
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<p>
Please see the information below for hotel and conference registration.</p>
<h3>
Hotel Information</h3>
<div>
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center</div>
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5000 Seminary Road</div>
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Alexandria, VA 22311</div>
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<a class="fl r-in_fA4GszkkY" data-number="+17038451010" data-pstn-out-call-url="" data-rtid="in_fA4GszkkY" data-ved="0ahUKEwiGkvnv6IzPAhVL2oMKHeDyDFkQkAgIswEwEw" jsaction="r.oVdbr2mIpA8" jsl="$t t-6xg4lalHw8M$t-CuUqPxWI7dk;$x 0;" style="color: rgb(26, 13, 171); cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" title="Call via Hangouts">(703) 845-1010</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<p>
<a href="https://aws.passkey.com/event/16064709/owner/10925932/home"><strong>Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Registration Link </strong></a></p>
<p>
</p>
<h3>
NSLA Registration Information</h3>
<p>
<a href="http://jag.org/nsla-registration">NSLA Registration Page</a></p>
<p>
<a href="/sites/default/files/NSLA%20Program%20Final.pdf"><strong>NSLA Conference Program</strong></a></p>
<p>
<a href="/sites/default/files/NSLA%20Medical%20Liability%20Form_0.doc">NSLA Medical Release Form </a></p>
<h3>
NSLA Competitive Events Information</h3>
<p>
<a href="/sites/default/files/Competition%20Overview_0.doc">Competition Overview</a></p>
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<a href="/sites/default/files/Employability%20Skills%20Event_1.pdf">Employability Skills Guidelines</a></p>
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<a href="/sites/default/files/Math%20Skills%20Event_0.pdf">Math Skills Guidelines</a></p>
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<a href="/sites/default/files/Public%20Speaking%20Event_0.pdf">Public Speaking Guidelines</a></p>
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</div></div></div>Tue, 04 Oct 2016 23:24:55 +0000bobby.crandall453 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/453#commentsArea high schools serving more 'at-risk' studentshttp://www.jag.org/node/466
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/LA%20Article.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/LA%20Article.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
By <a href="http://www.thetowntalk.com/staff/35251/miranda-klein/">Miranda Klein </a>, <a href="mailto:mklein@thetowntalk.com">mklein@thetowntalk.com</a> 3:10 p.m. CST November 25, 2016</p>
<p>
Students leave Bolton High School as the final bell rings ending the school day.</p>
<p>
The number of at-risk students at Rapides high schools is growing, according to 2012-15 state department of education data. To reach those students, officials say it's a matter of connecting.</p>
<p>
Enrollment records show the district's five largest high schools — Alexandria Senior High, Bolton, Peabody Magnet, Pineville and Tioga — serving greater percentages of students classified as "at-risk," or economically disadvantaged, each year.</p>
<p>
Rapides Executive Assistant Superintendent Kim Bennett said the state looks at a student’s free and reduced lunch eligibility, attendance, test history and discipline history to determine the designation.</p>
<p>
Here is a breakdown of some of the demographic changes by schools.</p>
<p>
At Bolton, 71 percent of students are now classified as at-risk, as are 50 percent of students at Pineville. The two schools saw the highest percentage growth at 10 and 11 percent. That is despite the fact Bolton enrollment has dropped from 628 to 549 students during the same time period. (According to the district, there are 586 students attending the school this year.)</p>
<p>
Alexandria Senior High and Tioga, which have had the most overall enrollment growth since 2012, saw just a 3 and 4 percent jump in their at-risk populations. ASH has moved from 50 to 54 percent, and Tioga from 66 to 69. </p>
<p>
At Peabody Magnet High, 90 percent of students were classified as at-risk in 2015, up from 85 percent in 2012.</p>
<p>
Bennett, a former principal at Tioga High, attributed the higher percentages across the board to the district’s efforts to prevent students from dropping out of school in junior high.</p>
<p>
"We are doing a better job of keeping our kids in school," she said. "A huge transition year is eighth- to ninth-grade, and historically, we have lost students."</p>
<p>
The combined population of ASH, Bolton, Peabody, Pineville and Tioga is higher today than four years ago.</p>
<p>
According to LDOE records, there were 4,750 students enrolled at the schools in 2012. The department has not updated its website with 2016 enrollment counts from the district, which show there are now 4,974 students enrolled at the five schools, and 224 more than in 2012.</p>
<p>
Bennett said district support in a few different forms helps all Rapides schools, and high schools specifically, meet the needs of their at-risk populations.</p>
<p>
For K-12, response to intervention — or RTI — helps schools react to individual circumstances students, and the district has implemented grade recovery and monitoring programs.</p>
<p>
"Our principals and the district looks at our failure rate every 9 weeks," Bennett said. "That’s not just to say, 'Whoa, you’ve got a high failure rate.' It’s to say, 'What are you doing to address this failure rate?' There’s a difference … It's, 'What is the plan?'"</p>
<p>
In junior high and high schools, Bennett said mentoring has been key in keeping students in school and encouraging them to stay the course.</p>
<p>
The district introduced the national dropout prevention Jobs For American Graduates in Rapides schools three years ago and expanded the program into middle schools to reach eighth- and ninth-graders.</p>
<p>
Tammie Santos, a JAG specialist at Peabody, said students who fall under the "at-risk" label and qualify for JAG face tough circumstances. Some are homeless or have parents who have been incarcerated.</p>
<p>
Yet 100 percent of seniors who went through the JAG program at Peabody last year graduated and went on to find a job or continue their education after high school, Santos said. She owes that at least partially to the fact that they had an adult there for them.</p>
<p>
"(We're) their advocate more than anything," Santos said.</p>
<p>
Last month, The Town Talk spotlighted a student Santos mentored who landed an internship and was hired at Cleco after graduating in May.</p>
<p>
"(It) made a big difference for me, and it's going to make a big difference for other kids," Tyrone Allen, 18, said of the JAG program.</p>
<p>
JAG mentors, referred to as specialists, are assigned a maximum of 50 students and required to log at least 100 contact hours with each student.</p>
<p>
Bennett said some schools, like Tioga and Pineville, also have less formal mentoring programs led by faculty and upperclassmen who connect with students as freshmen. But their mission is the same.</p>
<p>
"To connect students with an adult and with their peers," Bennett said. "That's huge."</p>
<p>
2016 Rapides high school enrollment</p>
<p>
· Alexandria Senior High: 1,382</p>
<p>
· Bolton: 586</p>
<p>
· Peabody Magnet: 586</p>
<p>
· Pineville: 1,421</p>
<p>
· Tioga: 999</p>
<p>
Source: Rapides Parish School Board</p>
<p>
2012, 2015 percentages of at-risk students</p>
<p>
· Alexandria Senior High: 50, 54</p>
<p>
· Bolton: 61, 71</p>
<p>
· Peabody Magnet: 85, 90</p>
<p>
· Pineville: 41, 50</p>
<p>
· Tioga: 66, 69</p>
<p>
Source: Louisiana Department of Education</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 06 Dec 2016 14:48:14 +0000bobby.crandall466 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/466#commentsIowa JAG Students Excel at NSLAhttp://www.jag.org/node/465
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Kameron%20Houston.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Kameron%20Houston.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) selected 10 students from across the state to compete and participate in JAG’s National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA) in Washington D.C. iJAG's Kameron Houston from Davenport West High School was selected as the keynote student speaker at the annual National Leadership Awards Luncheon. Kameron shared his story with nearly 1,000 youth, Governors, corporate and foundation leaders, Presidents/CEOs, federal agency leaders, and distinguished guests. Kameron was the first iJAG student to achieve this distinguished honor in seventeen years.</p>
<p>
In the competitions, Iowa JAG's Miavliang Lee earned first place in the Public Speaking competitive event. Lee attends Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa. This is the second consecutive year that iJAG has placed first in this event. Lee stated “I feel very humble and grateful. Thank you iJAG for everything!”</p>
<p>
The mission of Iowa JAG is to assist students with multiple barriers in graduating from high school and and/or successfully transitioning from high school to continued education and careers. To accomplish this work iJAG provides an individualized and comprehensive approach that occurs in and out of the classroom. Iowa JAG is nationally accredited and has produced a 95% graduation rate with participating students last year. Laurie Phelan, President and CEO of iJAG said, “The success of Kameron and Mia is to the credit of the amazing Education Specialists (instructors) working in the classrooms and all the businesses, community agencies, foundations and state agencies that support iJAG. We are a game changer for many young people that are struggling to find their way.</p>
<p>
iJAG is a program that works!” For more information about iJAG please visit, <a href="http://www.ijag.org">www.ijag.org</a>.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/I-JAG%20Delegates%20Office.JPG" style="width: 300px; height: 291px;" /></p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 29 Nov 2016 16:44:01 +0000bobby.crandall465 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/465#commentsStarkville JMG visits Carrington Nursing Homehttp://www.jag.org/node/464
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_1487.JPG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_1487.JPG" width="400" height="300" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
The students of Starkville High School’s Jobs for Mississippi Graduates Class visited Carrington Nursing Home on October 28, 2016 and it was a memorable one! Carrington is just one of three public nursing home providers in Starkville. Ms. Janice Hogan is the Activities Coordinator of Carrington Nursing Home. Ms. Hogan and her staff scheduled this visit as a “sing-along” activity and remarked that she would like my students to join them! We were ecstatic! </p>
<p>
When presented with this idea, there were several students who wanted to “showcase” their talents in a loving way of course! Tommie wanted to use his musical talent to play his keyboard! Amber, a member of the school’s choir, wanted to present a solo part! We committed time during the days to come to selecting “joyful and spirited” songs. Once the songs were agreed upon and the purpose of the fieldtrip was clearly identified, we commenced with deliberate rehearsals with the musician (Tommie) and lead singer (Amber). Such rehearsals were done intermittently during the class period up to the day of the event to satisfy both artists!</p>
<p>
In additional item of love to “showcase” this event that the students wanted to do was to give something tangible to the patients at Carrington. When Ms. Hogan was presented with this suggestion, she immediately gave favored items that the patients liked as well as permissible items that were acceptable by the management of Carrington Nursing Home! Students began to bring such items as boxes of Kleenex, socks, and peppermint. The day prior to the trip raisins and bananas were brought. With the generosity of the class we were able to make two gift baskets for the patients!</p>
<p>
The day of the visit was one that my students and I will cherish! We were greeted with smiles and hands extended to caress and give gentle handshakes as we entered the room! Instantly, Ms. Hogan asked that my students take over! She commented that the patients were exhausted with typical songs that she and her staff “routinely” sang to them! The Director went on to add that children bring a uniqueness and joy to the patients that no other guest can do many times. My students and I sang three songs instead of two! The patients made song requests that we honored as long as they (patients) sang with us and lead the songs! It was beautiful! Jingle Bells brought down the house! The patients smiled and clapped their hands as they sang this song! Montana, President of our Career Association presented our gift baskets as well as a framed poem as the finale of our service.</p>
<p>
Our visit to Carrington Nursing Home was one that my students and I will remember fondly and hold close to our hearts! We hope that we made a difference in the hearts of the patients! The smiles, chuckles of laughter, and gentle handshakes suggested that we did!</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 23 Nov 2016 17:29:52 +0000bobby.crandall464 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/464#comments2016 NSLA Competition Winners http://www.jag.org/node/463
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/DSC_1161.JPG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/DSC_1161.JPG" width="400" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
Over 800 students and Specialists attended JAG's Annual National Student Leadership Academy November 10-12 in Washington, D.C. This was the largest group the organization has had attending this conference.</p>
<p>
The JAG National Network sent its best and brightest to compete in three competitive events: Math Skills, Employability Skills, and Public Speaking. There were over 150 total competitors in these three events.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
The winners of these events are:</p>
<p wrap="">
Math Skills<br />
1st - Lyleigh Lay, IN<br />
2nd - Shawnee Laney, GA<br />
3rd - Rachel Burns, SC</p>
<p>
<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/DSC_1215.JPG" style="width: 601px; height: 401px;" /></p>
<p wrap="">
</p>
<p wrap="">
Employability Skills<br />
1st - Olga Garcia, NV<br />
2nd - Cindy Pulley, OH<br />
3rd - Dawson Murphy, TN</p>
<p wrap="">
<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/DSC_1217.JPG" style="width: 601px; height: 401px;" /></p>
<p wrap="">
</p>
<p wrap="">
Public Speaking<br />
1st - Miavliag Lee, IA<br />
2nd - Elana Floyd, IN<br />
3rd - Christabella Vasquez, WA</p>
<p wrap="">
<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/DSC_1232.JPG" style="width: 601px; height: 401px;" /></p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 17 Nov 2016 21:27:48 +0000bobby.crandall463 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/463#commentsHigh school program in Newark with 100 percent graduation rate goal expands across statehttp://www.jag.org/node/462
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/29602726701_4244a58a26_o.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/29602726701_4244a58a26_o.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p style="border: 0px none; font-family: myriad-pro, Arial; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px;">
A 100 percent graduation rate - that's the goal for students in Newark participating in a high school program called JAG, Jobs for America's Graduates, that is now expanding.</p>
<p style="border: 0px none; font-family: myriad-pro, Arial; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px;">
The program gives young people the skills they need to be successful not only in their academic careers, but also in their professional careers.</p>
<p style="border: 0px none; font-family: myriad-pro, Arial; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px;">
Because of the program's success, this year it's expanding across the state and being offered to students in Newark, Weequahic, Camden, East Orange, Carteret, New Brunswick and Vineland, bringing the number of students that will participate to 500.</p>
<p style="border: 0px none; font-family: myriad-pro, Arial; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px;">
Today, JAG graduate Kevin Olivier is a college student going to school to become a lawyer, and he's just one of over 120 high school students that have participated in the program since its inception in 2011.</p>
<p style="border: 0px none; font-family: myriad-pro, Arial; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); line-height: 19px;">
<img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/29057566464_9d77541172_o.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 167px;" /> <img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/29393399780_88932f7895_o.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 167px;" /></p>
</div></div></div>Mon, 07 Nov 2016 23:20:33 +0000bobby.crandall462 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/462#commentsAT&T is proud to support JAG-New Mexicohttp://www.jag.org/node/461
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_2065_0.JPG"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/IMG_2065_0.JPG" width="400" height="316" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
AT&amp;T is proud to support JAG-NM, which has expanded its program at Rio Grande High School in Albuquerque. Terri Nikole Baca, External Affairs Director for AT&amp;T New Mexico presented a $30,000 check to district and school officials on September 30 at a Rally, held at the school, honoring the JAG program. Both the JAG-NM state organization and Rio Grande High School received the “5-of-5” JAG National Performance Award. </p>
<p>
Cabinet Secretary Celina Bussey, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, delivered the keynote address. JAG students, parents, district officials, NM Business Roundtable and JAG-NM Board members, school administrators and teachers and other invited guests were in attendance.</p>
<p>
A new JAG student was heard saying, “Wow, I’m really glad I’m in JAG!”</p>
<p>
“AT&amp;T is committed to supporting efforts that keep our kids in school and empower them with the tools they need to succeed in 21<sup>st</sup> century jobs,” Terri Nikole Baca said. “JAG has proven successful in both, helping New Mexico students who may have otherwise dropped out of high school. We are pleased that through this contribution, JAG will now be able to help more students.” </p>
<p>
AT&amp;T’s $30,000 contribution has allowed JAG-NM to double the program at Rio Grande High School by hiring a second JAG Specialist who is serving 9<sup>th</sup> grade students Additional funding for the expansion came from the NM Public Education Department College and Career Readiness Bureau and Albuquerque Public Schools. </p>
<p>
To honor the success of JAG-NM, Governor Susana Martinez proclaimed Friday, September 30, 2016 “Jobs for America’s Graduates Day” in New Mexico. Albuquerque Public Schools Board of Education President, Dr. Dave Peercy, read the Proclamation to the audience. In addition to Rio Grande High School, JAG- NM has programs in Bernalillo, Mora, Rio Rancho and Zuni.</p>
</div></div></div>Tue, 01 Nov 2016 22:15:30 +0000bobby.crandall461 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/461#commentsCelebrating Jobs for Delaware Graduates on Their Path to Successhttp://www.jag.org/node/460
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/DE%20Celebration.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/DE%20Celebration.jpg" width="400" height="265" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
There were thousands of reasons <a href="http://jobsdegrads.org/" target="_blank">Jobs for Delaware Graduates</a> had for gathering and celebrating today at the Hotel DuPont in Wilmington.</p>
<p>
More than 300 guests, including Governor and Mrs. Markell, U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, and former Congressman Mike Castle enjoyed a breakfast and a program with speakers who noted the remarkable achievements of some of the 60,000 students who have graduated from the Delaware program since its inception. “This program is the real deal,” said Governor Markell as he spoke to guests.</p>
<p>
Founder Ken Smith told the audience, “This is a better state – a better place – because of Jobs for Delaware Graduates. They are good citizens, paying taxes, and are enthusiastic and well-prepared employees.”</p>
<p>
October 26, 2016 - by Christy Fleming</p>
<p>
Jobs for Delaware Graduates, which has a 93% success rate in helping participants graduate from high school and go to college or land a job, was the first of its kind in the United States. Thirty-three states have adopted the successful Delaware model, and over 1,000,000 students have pursued career pathways through Jobs for America’s Graduates programs.</p>
<p>
JDG has assigned 37 teaching specialists to schools around the state who work one-on-one with middle and upper school students, helping them with skills they need to be successful such as resume writing, talking on the phone or in an interview, money management, time management, and dressing for business.</p>
<p>
“We are the best head hunting organization in the State of Delaware,” said State Sen. Nicole Poore, who is also president of JDG. “Our success begins in the classroom, with kids who face enormous barriers. But we work with the students to make sure if they are in our program, they are going to follow their dreams of success.”</p>
<p>
Carla Markell has coached a program participant for a few years in the JDG program, and she said JDG was a real confidence builder and a life changer for her student. “There’s a roll for all of us to play,” she said.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>
Original article can be found at - <a href="http://townsquaredelaware.com/2016/10/26/celebrating-jobs-for-delaware-graduates-on-their-path-to-success/">http://townsquaredelaware.com/2016/10/26/celebrating-jobs-for-delaware-g...</a></p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 27 Oct 2016 21:54:47 +0000bobby.crandall460 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/460#commentsGovernor Tomblin recommended that Jobs for West Virginia Graduates, Inc. receive a grant of $130,000http://www.jag.org/node/459
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/29933168734_d21a29937d_k.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/29933168734_d21a29937d_k.jpg" width="400" height="265" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 25, 2016) - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced 11 state recommendations for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Investment Program grants, totaling more than $5.1 million in grant funding. </p>
<p>
"In my time as Governor, I have seen how beneficial these grants are across West Virginia," Gov. Tomblin said. "They help lift up communities, providing education opportunities, helping us advance our workforce, and addressing critical community needs ranging from infrastructure to public health. The ARC continues to be a strong partner in our local communities, and I am grateful for that partnership - which is helping move our state forward."</p>
<p>
The West Virginia Development Office administers the state's ARC program, a partnership of federal, state and local participants providing financial and technical assistance for economic development and infrastructure projects.</p>
<p>
Governor Tomblin recommended that <strong>Jobs for West Virginia Graduates, Inc. </strong>receive a grant of <strong>$130,000. </strong>The project will provide at-risk high-school students with specialized instruction and guidance, including tutoring and mentoring services, career development training and leadership development. The result will strengthen graduation rates and employability for at-risk students. The project will serve an estimated 120 students.</p>
<p>
Jobs for West Virginia Graduates, Inc. (JWVG) is one of thirty-three (33) state affiliates of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The JAG National Network serves young people with significant barriers to graduation from high school and ensures they transition successfully from middle school to high school, then, work closely with their JAG Specialist to remove all possible barriers to graduate with a high school diploma. In addition to a rigorous remediation and academic program of study, JAG graduates develop 21<sup>st</sup> Century skills through active participation in a student-led organization called the Career Association with opportunities to develop, practice and refine their leadership and teaming skills through project based and service learning activities and events. JAG graduates are college and career ready at graduation and their JAG Specialist will assist them in pursuing entry level employment and/or enrolling in a collegiate program of study and provide follow-up services for a 12-month post-graduation period.</p>
<p>
At the 2016 National Training Seminar, Jobs for West Virginia Graduates was recognized as a “5-of-5” National JAG Affiliate for exceeding the five performance outcomes of a JAG Model program during the 12-month follow-up period. Only fourteen of the thirty-three state affiliates earned the 5-of-5 distinction for serving the Class of 2015.</p>
<p>
Congratulations to Jobs for West Virginia Graduates for being recommended by Governor Tomblin for a $130,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant.</p>
<p>
For more information about Jobs for West Virginia Graduates, Inc., contact:</p>
<p>
W. Brent Sturm, <a href="mailto:ed.jwvg@live.com">ed.jwvg@live.com</a></p>
<p>
</p>
</div></div></div>Wed, 26 Oct 2016 12:40:11 +0000bobby.crandall459 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/459#commentsASA CEO Richard Wahlquist Named to Board of Jobs for America's Graduateshttp://www.jag.org/node/458
<div class="field field-name-field-image field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" rel="og:image rdfs:seeAlso" resource="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/COX_%200317.jpg"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://www.jag.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/COX_%200317.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>
Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer of the American Staffing Association, was unanimously elected to the Jobs for America’s Graduates board of directors in late August. The JAG board is composed of 11 state governors (the largest number to serve on any board in the U.S.), national and state government leaders, national community leaders, educators, and business leaders, and is currently chaired by Gov. Phil Bryant of Mississippi.</p>
<p>
<br />
“I am honored to be named to the JAG board, and serve among such an esteemed group of individuals who work together to support an organization that so profoundly changes the lives of so many underserved youth, all of whom can help to enhance the fabric, fiber, and future of America,” Wahlquist said. “This is a testament to the strong relationship between JAG, ASA, and ASA member companies, which was confirmed earlier this year by the formalization of a strategic educational and hiring partnership to help prepare JAG’s youth of great promise for their future roles in the workforce.”</p>
<p>
<br />
JAG is a state-based, national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. The results of the graduating class of 2015 include:</p>
<p>
<br />
* Graduation rate: 94%<br />
* Positive outcomes rate: 82% (work, college, or a combination)<br />
* Full-time placement rate: 89% (combination of work or college alone or together equal to a 40-hour weekly commitment of time)<br />
* Further education rate: 43%</p>
<p>
<br />
“The members of the JAG board are especially pleased to have Richard Wahlquist join us,” said Ken Smith, JAG president. “Richard possesses longstanding leadership in understanding labor market issues and trends and the current and future needs of employers. We commend Richard and ASA member companies for their commitment and support of JAG and its mission of helping young people to overcome barriers to graduation from high school and become college and career ready.”</p>
<p>
<br />
The ASA–JAG partnership is celebrated during ASA Cares Month in February. During this special month dedicated to corporate social responsibility, staffing professionals with ASA member firms are encouraged to volunteer with JAG in their local areas.</p>
<p>
<br />
To learn more about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net. To learn more about JAG, visit jag.org.</p>
<p>
# # #</p>
<p>
<br /><strong>About the American Staffing Association</strong></p>
<p>
The American Staffing Association is the voice of the U.S. staffing, recruiting, and workforce solutions industry. ASA and its affiliated chapters advance the interests of the industry across all sectors through advocacy, research, education, and the promotion of high standards of legal, ethical, and professional practices. For more information about ASA, visit americanstaffing.net.</p>
<p>
<br /><strong>About Jobs for America’s Graduates</strong> Jobs for America’s Graduates now operates in 1,000 classroom sites in 31 states. It provides intensive employability skills training, motivational student organization activities, remediation, academic support, and problem-solving for external issues that affect young men and women. JAG students receive a full 12 months of follow-up after graduation to ensure their successful transition into work, higher education, or both. For more information visit jag.org.</p>
<p>
<br />
Contact Michelle R. Snyder<br />
Director, Public Relations<br />
703-253-1151<br /><a href="mailto:msnyder@americanstaffing.net">msnyder@americanstaffing.net</a></p>
<p>
<br />
Janelle Duray<br />
Senior Vice President<br />
Jobs for America’s Graduates<br />
703-706-9645<br /><a href="mailto:janelle.duray@jag.org">janelle.duray@jag.org</a></p>
</div></div></div>Thu, 29 Sep 2016 17:33:50 +0000bobby.crandall458 at http://www.jag.orghttp://www.jag.org/node/458#comments